Philadelphia - Home of American Independence - VOA Story

Philadelphia is known as the birthplace of the United States, the nation's cradle of liberty. It began back in 1776 when the 13 American colonies announced their independence from the British Empire with their Declaration of Independence. And Philadelphians, along with other Americans, mark this day of freedom every July 4th. As the nation prepares for its 231st birthday, Stasia DeMarco visited Philadelphia's historic Independence Mall. The first stop for many tourists to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is Independence Hall -- the place where the founding fathers met to discuss and write the Declaration of Independence. Actors dressed as key early American patriots -- George Washington, Ben Franklin -- add to the historic ambience, and talk to tourists. Famous relics and sites such as the Liberty Bell, Carpenters' Hall, and the house where legend says seamstress Betsy Ross sewed the first American flag, attract more than three million visitors to Philadelphia each year. More people from the United States and around the world visit Philadelphia for the 4th of July holiday than at any other time of the year.

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YouTube | July 4, 2007

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